Media's a Bitch.

So it was just another day at the local radio station, doing my usual research development and a few odd jobs before signing out.

I was feeling pretty good today for a change. It’s amazing how a waist belt can make you feel all the more glamorous, clinching in that waist and giving you that false sense of security in yourself…

 I was faced with a rude awakening, however, when a DJ came waltzing in with his friend. I could tell he had been working there for a while as he carried himself confidently. I think I always confuse confidence with arrogance due to my own lack of self-esteem but it was obvious to all, that he really saw himself as “the dogs.” It was fine at first, as he was talking to his co-workers and I was barely in his eye line… until I was about to leave.

“Is this another volunteer then?” I looked up and responded as confidently as I could, only to find that it didn’t matter. He was going to swallow me whole and spit me out with his next remark. “Well… at least she’s not as skinny and small as the last one.” I stood there, a little bewildered, a little shocked and extremely horrified. I think I was waiting for a “Just kidding” or “Only joking duck” or some sort of half-arsed apology, but I got nothing. Instead I was faced with a man who was completely contented. He had not even thought about how I would take it and he didn’t even care. I smiled, which is what I do when I’m nervous, embarrassed and in this case gobsmacked. I could feel my cheeks burning and becoming a deeper shade of red as I continued to stand there, gormless. To make matters worse, he had decided to broadcast his ugly comment to the whole team, making me feel humiliated and crushed. It had taken him a mere five seconds to completely ruin any remaining source of happiness I had left in myself.  

His friend responded ‘Ha, I don’t think she knows how to take that.’ And the truth is; I didn’t. I didn’t know whether I should’ve told him exactly what I thought and literally hit him where it hurt, but I did neither.

What also annoyed me was my inability to respond. Why didn’t I have the balls to say something back? In fairness I didn’t want to say something that would jeopardise my position here but even if I could, I wouldn’t. Instead of me retaliating, I just stood there; blushed incredibly, left quickly, cried hysterically (I must note that this was not in front of him. At least I had some composure), and now starting to think of diet plans. Crazy isn’t it? One stupid comment from someone and it can instantly turn your life upside down and leave you momentarily destroyed.

I’ve got my first opportunity to be a runner tomorrow for the stations first ever live broadcast and instead of craving that extra experience, I am now more than willing to hand it over to someone else. The truth is, I can deal with criticism when it is involves my creativity as I believe we are always improving and an outsider’s opinion is a vital part of developing in this field. But when someone goes out to personally attack you, It’s always that little bit harder to come back fighting.      

Tomorrow will be a test; a test to see if I can take that pig-headed criticism and turn it into something positive. The more I feel like this, the more I think, he’s old, and you’re young and you have your whole life ahead of you. This is only the beginning for you.

As hard as criticism is to take, the world of Media is a bitch: It’s full of them and it is a “bitch” to get into. But the funny thing is, it makes it all the more exciting. 

Tissues at the ready and here I go…

MY FIRST ARTICLE: LICK MAGAZINE - NOTTINGHAM

One of the main reasons I decided to come to a Nottingham university shouldhave been based on the academia… But it wasn’t. It won me over with its reputable music scene. With new and old artists constantly circulating the city, it’s hard not to fall in love with a new artist each week. Let me introduce you to some of Nottingham’s finest:

It’s becoming more apparent that old Madge is slowly on the decline but it looks like the Midlands have something which might be of interest to the mourning fans of the eighties icon… Ronika. With help from Nile Rogers (who produced Madonna’s album, Like a Virgin), it looks like we could be re-visiting the world of big bows, lace gloves and shoulder pads once more. Even the artwork of Ronika’s new single Automatic (Released April 10^th) seems to emulate ‘Celebration’… So then, are we just being introduced to another Madonna imitator? Despite these similarities, Ronika does exude uniqueness in her sound along with a refreshingly, infectious, techno twang accompanying her. Disco has never been cooler, especially when a revitalised Odyssey track is used as a sample, fuel for Automatic’s success. This Nottingham artist combines sci-fi with disco, techno with pop and creates something genius - something which 2012 is desperately crying out for. With the likes of The Guardian, The Sunday Times and NME backing her, it looks like the debut album (released later this year) is already anticipated to be something unquestionably irresistible. If you haven’t already heard her, I’d strongly suggest a listen.

And with that I give one final word of advice, her recent collaboration with DJ/producer Herve in ‘How Can I Live without You (Make it Right)’ is something to get your ears around whilst basking in this summer sunshine. Its distinct 90s sound will re- welcome the baggy-pant-wearing crowds, allowing them to experience a new spin on tunes from their much loved music scene. Spread across social networking sites a mere few days ago, its already gaining high interest. Could this be the summer anthem of 2012?

‘BBC Introducing…’ found us The Tings Tings, Joy Formidable, Everything Everything, and more recently, Nottingham’s Navajo Youth. Back in 2010, Navajo Youth took to the BBC studios and performed for their Midland audience. 11,000 Youtube views and an E.P later; the new single Heartbreaker stands as a result of just how much the artist has evolved in the music field. Performing in festivals such as ‘T in the Park’ last year, a highly anticipated success is waiting in the wings. When watching the video of his new single I felt like I was taken back to a satisfyingly synthed Duran Duran, channelling a little Adam Ant, as the frontman seems to sport the uncannily quirky look. There seems to be a trend forming amongst some of these budding talents. Is Nottingham trying to brighten up the dark Midland skies with a little sparkle and punchy pop from the much loved 80’s? Navajo Youth’s embodies confidence which translates through his presence in the video – his belief in his music is really quite engaging.

Kappa Gamma; known in certain circles for their synchronized melodies and infectious indie hooks, are predicted an even larger fan base, facing an impressive line-up of festivals and an EP due this autumn. Between prog-pop vibes like Minus the Bear and the electro-punk sounds from Late of the Pier, you’ll find Kappa Gamma somewhere comfortably in the middle. The Midlands band supported Django Django at Nottingham’s Bodega, February of this year, receiving high praise. By also supporting aspiring talents, such as Dog is Dead and Swimming, Kappa Gamma are already gaining bigger recognition, especially in their hometown. If any of this takes your fancy, you can check out a preview of their debut single on vinyl, ‘Just Another’ online, right. now.

In a candid interview with the BBC back in 2010, Nottingham’s Liam Baileyadmits “Before I knew it, I went from nowhere to live, no money, to four record labels wanting to sign me”, regarding his offer from the world famous,Polydor. You may recognize his vocals in Chase and Status’ Blind Faith, released at the beginning of 2011, maintaining its popularity throughout a dance fuelled summer. With regards to Bailey’s solo career, unlike other Nottingham artists continuing the electro wave, Bailey introduces his touching take on soul to the music scene. He effortlessly exudes emotion from his fingertips which translates through his acoustic, accompanying his poignant lyrics, as he does in You Better Leave Me. With help from labels Polydor and Lioness, he released E.Ps in autumn 2010 and the following year produced his debut album Out of the Shadows with the accompaniment of The Fugees’ Salaam Remi. Currently touring with Rita Ora, this is only the beginning for the momentous Liam Bailey.

The petebox’s ‘Future Loops’ (Released 11^th April), consists of many reinvented songs, such as ‘MGMT’s’ “Kids” and ‘Nirvana’s’  “Lithium”  alongside an extremely effective loop pedal as his wingman. Not to take away too much from his talent, he should be credited for his ever growing success, performing in huge festivals such as ‘Bestival,’ ‘Reading and Leeds,’ and ‘Glastonbury’, already deserving of recognition for his ability to combine beat-boxing, singing, a guitar and mixing into something worth listening to – creating a whole soundtrack to his music himself. Confidence comes with covering a track which already owns its distinctive sound and is respected worldwide. When I heardThepetebox’s interpretation of Pixie’s ‘Where is my Mind?’, however, all my scepticism disappeared and I soon realised my narrow-mindedness. I had heard something refreshingly cool and aloof. If I’m honest, it kinda blew my mind.  He was scouted in 2005 when he became champion of BBC Radio 1’s beat-boxing competition and his career has flourished ever since. As well as being released on CD, there are live studio performances of his up and coming album available on Youtube. It’s highly recommended that you give him a listenand a watch to get a real sense of how Thepetebox does what he does, and so well too.